8
2 years ago
Admissions Advice

How do you ask your teachers for recommendation letters as an introvert?
Answered

Hi,

I'm a introvert who doesn't really talk to their teachers unless required. I understand that colleges typically require 2 teacher recommendation letters. I was wondering how to build relationships with my teachers going on with the year.

All kinds of help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

teacherreccomendation
recommendationletters
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5 answers

2
Accepted Answer
2 years ago

Hi.

I'm an introvert myself so it seemed "right" for me to answer this question.

A little about myself; I was an extreme introvert since I was young, but I was a bright child when I was talking to my family and close friends. Growing up, I had the "school nerd" reputation even though I spent literally hours playing video games and hanging out with friends. That was because I rarely raised my hand during class and people thought I was "smart."

I hated that reputation and since end of middle school, I tried to befriend teachers by asking questions personally (not at the class) or asking for help/advice.

It is true that you should have a good relationship with a teacher teaching a subject you want to major in, but I think having a really good relationship with a different teacher is okay too.

I think asking personal questions is a good method. This is a real-life example that happened when I was in 11th grade. Some guy punched my face on purpose (while showing off some Muay Thai moves) because he thought that was a way of saying, "Let's be friends" (I'm a girl by the way). I got so mad because he broke my glasses. He was really sorry about it, but I already ran away.

That day, I asked my Advisory or Homeroom teacher if we could talk during Lunch. She was like "Yeah,sure." I sat with her and told her about what happened. She was really nice and listened to what I had to say.

I asked that teacher to write my recommendation letter a year later.

She viewed me as an introvert the whole time, but after that conversation, she was more "interested" in me. She actually showed me her recommendation letter, and she wrote in detail, and I was surprised.

Does this help? I hope it does.

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4
2 years ago

I'm assuming you're a junior. Correct? If so, this year is key in building relationships if you want strong letters of recommendation.

I would say that if you want to build relationships, show your passions to your teachers and make sure that they see your eagerness to learn. Pick a few classes that you're most passionate about and teachers your like and try hardest in their classes.

Try going above and beyond on homework assignments, stay after school to seek out extra help, maybe shoot the teacher an email asking a question about a class concept, join clubs that the teacher runs, or ask to review your most recent test to see what you got wrong. Show your effort and the teachers will appreciate that. If you develop your passions in classes you really enjoy, I believe you'll become more comfortable with the teacher and start speaking in class and contributing to discussions. Best of luck! :)

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3
2 years ago

When it comes time to ask for a letter of recommendation, these templates really helped me know what to say!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1calvyyPbAEgbi57--EakwO6Y_ESxnkRNazrMABK1qEg/edit

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K8NrgTwh98Jz28xB6cDX7yMxidEcSPScuzLw_Sf1xD0/edit?usp=sharing

best of luck!

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3
2 years ago

Hello! I would recommend thinking about what you want to major in and deciding which teachers would be the best for that. For example, if you want to major in English, talk to English teachers, that sort of thing. As far as building rapport, start small. Try and become someone the teacher can rely on to answer questions, show that you're interested in finding out about missed points to improve yourself, make passing comments about your life goals and interests. Get your teacher to understand that you are serious about your goals. I can understand that being an introvert in these sorts of situations is hard, but this will be good practice for functioning as an adult later in life. Good luck :)

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2
2 years ago

Tbh just participate in class. MOST of the time teachers will be interested in you if you are just nice and participate in class. Have opinions too (especially for history/English), as it will likely enlighten teachers of your intelligence. For instance, I asked my APUSH teacher to write me a letter because she was impressed with me enough to write comments on my report card (which is EXTREMELY rare, at least for my school). It’s all just because I was thorough and did what was asked. It also helps if you’re in extracurriculars with the teachers. My physics teacher just happens to be my bowling coach and knows that I’m very knowledgeable in bowling, physics, and my body. Hope that helps!

2
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